Rooster breeds and temperaments - any input?

[chammer70]

Just wondering if people are willing to give input on any particular rooster types that "may" tend to be friendlier than others.
I realize they are all individual and it's not across the board, but I need some food for thought from people more experienced with roos than I am. Had one amazingly wonderful Ameraucana that was recently mauled by a bobcat and had to be put down. Took in a five-month-old Easter egger a week ago, who is far too aggressive here. Though the lady who raised him swears he wasn't that way with her family and hens. I can't keep him, but still want a rooster and am willing to try, try again. I'm considering an eight-week-old Golden Wyandotte that's available. He's been hand fed, etc. Then I read that hand fed roosters can be meaner because they aren't afraid of humans, but my prior roo was pretty much hand reared and he was amazing!
Any input, please!

 

[chooks4life]

You've got the idea anyway, there's no guarantees. I handfeed mine and handle them and don't have aggression issues.

Seramas look pretty regularly nonaggressive, but of course they're miniature which can be an issue depending on your hens etc. I don't see Brahmas being reported as being aggressive as often as some other breeds, just going by what I see on this forum mostly. I like mongrels myself, plenty of those always looking for good homes, they can be at least as beautiful as any purebred IMO.

Best wishes with your quest for a good rooster.

 

[bobbi-j]

The breeds I've had and their temperaments: EE - several, all aggressive. Brown leghorn - aggressive at his previous home, not here. Barred Rock - one of the meanest I've ever had. Brahma - Most docile I've ever had. Now, I don't know what is a "nice" rooster in your opinion. Mine are not hand-fed, coddled pets. To me, a "nice" rooster does not act aggressively toward humans. He keeps his distance and moves away when I move toward him or any of the hens. My current rooster is a 1-year old Brahma/EE cross (son of my Brahma). He is just as nice as his father. He moves away, does not even look my way, and minds his own business. When my grand-nieces and grand-nephew (ages 5, 4 and 3) want to go see the chickens, he just herds his hens away when he hears us coming (and believe me - they can hear that from a LONG way away!

)

 

[centrarchid]

Much of the behavioral variation, although not all, is a function of your behavior as a keeper of poultry. Nice part is you can make adjustments quickly.

 

[chammer70]

The breeds I've had and their temperaments: EE - several, all aggressive. Brown leghorn - aggressive at his previous home, not here. Barred Rock - one of the meanest I've ever had. Brahma - Most docile I've ever had. Now, I don't know what is a "nice" rooster in your opinion. Mine are not hand-fed, coddled pets. To me, a "nice" rooster does not act aggressively toward humans. He keeps his distance and moves away when I move toward him or any of the hens. My current rooster is a 1-year old Brahma/EE cross (son of my Brahma). He is just as nice as his father. He moves away, does not even look my way, and minds his own business. When my grand-nieces and grand-nephew (ages 5, 4 and 3) want to go see the chickens, he just herds his hens away when he hears us coming (and believe me - they can hear that from a LONG way away!

)

Yes, that is exactly what I mean by "nice rooster." My poor Ameraucana was exactly that and docile with my son ever since my son was two and toddling around trying to feed the chickens. Sadly, we had to put him down after being mauled by a bobcat. Took in an EE a week ago. At only five months, he is too aggressive and can't stay. I have my eye on an eight-week-old golden Wyandotte I want to get here soon while he's young to mix with my young hens and then introduce the bunch as one to the old gals.

 

[chooks4life]

Just because a roosters' hand-fed doesn't make it a coddled pet. All of mine end up being eaten or re-homed sooner or later when I've made enough use of their genetics.

 

[dstinett]

I've had very good luck with my "Americaunas" from ideal poultry. I've had 3 and several friends have them without any aggression problems. I no longer have mine due to predators. I'm on my 3rd year with frizzle Cochin roosters. I love them!!! They are the only rooster for me now. They are so sweet and docile